From East Sussex College to Artwave and beyond: meet our creative alumni
With Artwave and Emerging Sussex taking place across East Sussex this week, we’re celebrating some of the artists, designers and photographers who began their creative journeys at East Sussex College.
From winning the Emerging Sussex prize to exhibiting at the National Portrait Gallery and having work selected for the cover of Artwave, our alumni are continuing to develop their practices and build careers in the creative industries.
Tia Wilson: Emerging Sussex prize winner
Tia Wilson has continued to develop her artistic practice since studying at East Sussex College, where she completed A-Levels, a Foundation Diploma and a degree.
In 2025, Tia was recognised at Artwave Festival after winning the Emerging Sussex prize for her work Preaching to the Algorithm.
The work features two portrait tapestries exploring digital culture, online connections and the relationship between people and the algorithms that shape what they see.
Tia is now an artist-in-residence on the Fine Art BA (Hons) at East Sussex College, continuing to develop her work.
She said: “The College has been a massive part of my artistic development and has given me the opportunity to continue progressing at every stage.”
Kim de Paolis: from graduate to the Artwave cover
Kim de Paolis graduated from East Sussex College with First Class Honours in 2023 and has since continued to develop her practice through Turps Hastings and ArtLab.
Her work has been exhibited regularly and, this year, was selected for the cover and poster of Artwave 2026.
Looking back on her time at the College, Kim said: “I'm so pleased I took my degree. It went by so fast but I put my all into it. It was exhausting at times, but I’ll always remember the great conversations and opportunities that were put my way during that time.”
Just a few years after graduating, Kim's work is now being seen by audiences across the region through one of East Sussex's best-known arts festivals.
Luan Davide Gray: from Hastings to the National Portrait Gallery
Photography alumnus Luan Davide Gray has also taken his work to a national audience.
In 2025, Luan was awarded second prize in the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize, with his portrait selected from more than 5,900 entries.
His work was then exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in London, one of the UK's leading venues for portrait photography.
Luan studied BA Photography at East Sussex College and has previously spoken about how the practical and supportive environment helped him develop his photography and confidence.
His achievement shows how a creative project developed during a degree can go on to reach a much wider audience.
Alannah Dessauvages: building a creative business
For Designer Maker alumna Alannah Dessauvages, studying at East Sussex College has helped her develop her own creative business.
Alannah graduated with First Class Honours in 2025 and has continued developing Mon Jardin, creating ceramic pieces designed for garden environments alongside textile work, including intricate decorative flowers.
Her work was recognised in 2025 with the Ethel Loves Me Award, giving her the opportunity to showcase and sell her work at the Ethel Loves Me shop in Rye.
Alannah's journey is one example of how creative graduates can take their skills in different directions, from working within the creative industries to developing their own businesses and practices.
Start your own creative journey
These are just some of the students and alumni who have gone on to develop their creative practices after studying at East Sussex College.
Our creative degree students learn from experienced practising creatives, work in specialist studios and facilities, and have opportunities to take part in exhibitions, live projects and other real-world opportunities.
And studying for a creative degree doesn't mean you have to move away. Students can stay close to friends, family and the creative communities of East Sussex while gaining a degree-level qualification close to home.
Creative degrees at East Sussex College include Animation, Design, Music Production & Creative Recording, Designer Maker, Film Production, Fine Art, Illustration with Design and Photography with Moving Image, as well as the MA Contemporary Arts Practice.
With Artwave and Emerging Sussex celebrating creative talent across the region this week, we're proud to see the work of our students and alumni continuing to be part of that story.
Your ideas can start here. Where they go next is up to you.
Explore our creative degree courses. https://adult.escg.ac.uk/search/?q=creative&course_level=4,5,6,7